Ryan’s diagnosis? Autism. Big surprise, right? Well, the purpose of this evaluation, as I think I explained in my previous blog entry, was to get him set up with the new agency and their services, since he is now three and thus has “aged out” of the prior agency.
So, Ryan is still autistic. They were impressed with his speech (though they want to work with him since he is having some problems with words, particularly those ending with -er), and at how well he knows his letters, numbers and shapes, but he is still having a lot of difficulty and low scores in the areas of cognition, comprehension, social things, and he has a lot of “rigidity” — a term they’re apparently using to categorize and describe classic autistic behaviors, like the need for routines, lining things up, focusing intently on things, etc.
The good news is that they have determined that Ryan is eligible for one of their specialized preschool programs! This makes my little heart jump for joy, because I’m already anxious about how he’ll handle the regular preschool thing again. The test runs last year were so-so, and the teacher was able to continue having Ryan in her class for those few days because of the presence of his therapists. Also, the specialized preschool program they want him in is two days a week, AND it’s in our local school district! This is a definite plus, as the one over at the center where his evaluation was is 25 minutes away. The school, on the other hand, is ten minutes away.
They recommended that I go ahead and send Ryan to the regular preschool, and they can check in with his teacher a few times a month to give her tips and such. I can also get a special mobile therapist lined up through any of the other local agencies (we have an evaluation set up with one on September 17th), and that therapist could work with Ryan at school exclusively. Attending a regular preschool would be good for him because it would give him the chance to observe and interact with “typical” students, with the aid of a therapist. And the specialize preschool would attend to his needs and deal with his “issues” (lack of focus, roaming, headbanging, etc.).
So, that’s what’s up with Ryan. More of the same, really, except now that he is three and can go to preschool, more of the focus will be on working with him in the school environment. I’m sure a recommendation for home-based therapy will be brought up, but I’ll cross that bridge when I get to it… which will be on September 14th, when we’re having another mini-type evaluation here at home, and then again on the 17th. Bring on the bridges!
My name is Jenn, and I'm 27 years old. I'm happily married to my best friend and soulmate, Daniel. Together we have a six year old daughter named 
Name: Alyssa
Name: Ryan
Glad to hear things went well! I hope the next ones do also.
Being pregnant I worry sometimes about things like this..but then I figure there is no need to worry myself about it right now…it will be a bridge to cross later. I mostly worry about my husbands reaction. I know I have the patients to handle it, but I’m just not sure how he would be. But I know I have plenty of friends (online and off) and family to help me if I need it.
Anyways, before I make myslef start tearing up at work..I’m gonna go.
Again, I’m happy things went well for y’all at this evalution. <3